A butterfly needle, also known as a winged infusion set or scalp vein set, is a medical device designed for drawing blood and delivering short-term intravenous therapy. Its two soft plastic “wings” help practitioners steady the device and cushion the puncture site. Compared to standard vacuum collection needles, butterfly needles work better in small veins, with children or elderly patients, when only a tiny blood sample is needed, and for low-volume, repeated infusions.
Structure and Models
- Needle and Tip
- The needle is made of medical-grade stainless steel, often ground to a three-edge or beveled tip. This design cuts through skin and vein walls with minimal resistance and discomfort.
- Winged Grips
- The soft plastic wings attach to the needle’s base. They let the user hold the needle with two fingers, giving precise control over angle and depth.
- Flexible Tubing
- A clear, soft tube—usually 20–60 cm long—connects the needle to collection tubes or IV lines. The tubing absorbs small movements, keeping the needle stable inside the vein.
- Luer Lock Connector
- A standard, leak-proof fitting on the tubing end links securely to syringes, blood collection tubes, or IV sets.
- Size Coding
- Needles come in gauges from 21G (green) to 27G (blue). Smaller gauges (higher numbers) cause less trauma but draw blood more slowly.
Clinical Applications
- Difficult Veins
- Hand, foot, or elbow veins that are narrow, curved, or hard to access with a regular needle.
- Pediatric and Geriatric Patients
- Children’s veins often collapse under pressure; older adults’ veins lose elasticity. The wings and fine gauge reduce vein damage.
- Laboratory Tests
- When tests call for small blood volumes—such as genetic or molecular studies—this device draws precise, low-volume samples.
- Short-Term IV Therapy
- Antibiotics, vitamins, or other small-dose infusions are given repeatedly without multiple punctures.
Proper Use Steps
Prepare Supplies
Check the package for damage and expiry. Gather alcohol swabs, collection tubes, gauze, tape, and gloves.
Choose and Clean the Site
Pick a well-filled vein on the hand, wrist, or inner elbow. Clean the area with 70–75% alcohol in a circular motion. Let it dry completely.
Insert the Needle
Put on gloves. With one hand, hold the patient’s skin taut. With the other, pinch both wings and angle the needle 10–30° above the skin. Gently push until you see blood backflow. Then lower the needle parallel to the skin by about 3–5 mm.
Draw Blood or Infuse
Attach the collection tube or IV line. Collect the required sample or start the infusion.
Secure the Set
Tape the wings flat against the skin to prevent shifting. Watch the flow to make sure the device stays in place.
Finish and Dispose
Once finished, place gauze over the site and withdraw the needle. Press for 30–60 seconds. Apply a bandage. Immediately drop the used needle into a sharps container.
Advantages and Clinical Benefits
- Higher Success Rate
- Two-finger control and clear tubing let you see blood return quickly, cutting down on repeat attempts.
- Increased Safety
- Flexible tubing absorbs minor patient movements, reducing vein damage and leakage.
- Better Patient Comfort
- Fine gauge and smooth insertion lower pain. Stable wings ease patient anxiety.
- Greater Efficiency
- One clinician can handle insertion, stabilization, and sample collection or infusion without extra help.
- Wide Applicability
- You can use the same set in the lab, emergency room, infusion center, or patient’s bedside.
Potential Risks and Prevention
- Slow or Failed Blood Return
- Cause: A gauge or vein spasm is too small.
- Prevention: Gently tap the vein to “wake” it, or switch to a slightly larger gauge.
- Leakage or Bruising
- Cause: Needle movement or loose taping.
- Prevention: Secure wings with tape immediately and remind patients to limit movement.
- Hemolysis or Clotting
- Cause: Too rapid or too slow draw, or air in the line.
- Prevention: Remove air bubbles before drawing and maintain a steady draw rate.
- Infection
- Cause: Reusing a single-use device or breaking sterile technique.
- Prevention: Always use a new, sterile set and follow clean-field guidelines.
- Nerve or Vessel Injury
- Cause: Poor site selection or unfamiliar anatomy.
- Prevention: Stick to common superficial veins and avoid areas where nerves run close to vessels.
Choosing High-Quality Butterfly Needles
- Certifications
- Look for ISO 13485, CE, and FDA approvals. Check lot numbers, expiration dates, and sterility markings.
- Safe Materials
- Ensure the needle is stainless steel or coated steel. Wings and tubing should meet USP VI biocompatibility standards.
- Variety of Sizes
- Stock gauges from 21G to 27G and tubing lengths of 20 cm, 40 cm, and 60 cm.
- User-Friendly Design
- Wings should have a non-slip surface. Tubing must stay flexible and tangle-free. Connectors should lock firmly.
- Reliable Support
- Choose brands that offer batch tracing, technical guidance, and prompt customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is blood flow slow?
- A tiny gauge or vein spasm may cause a slow return. Gently massage or switch to a larger gauge.
- Can I reuse a Butterfly needles after sterilization?
- No. Reusing any single-use device risks structural damage and infection.
- How long can it stay in a vein?
- For ongoing infusions, change it within 72 hours or follow your facility’s policy.
- How do I remove air bubbles?
- Before drawing, squeeze the tubing lightly to push out trapped air.
Summary
Butterfly needles combine ease of use, patient comfort, and high success rates to make blood draws and short-term infusions safer and more efficient. Clinicians achieve the best results by choosing the right size, following strict sterile techniques, and securing the device properly. Patients who understand these benefits can cooperate better, reducing anxiety and improving their care experience. For more product details or technical support, please contact our team. Let’s work together to deliver high-quality medical care.